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A tree limb fell on a red Toyota Tundra on Thursday near the intersection of West Locust Avenue and Church Street. (Brian Feulner/News-Sentinel)

Tips for dealing with wind damage

By Marc Lutz
News-Sentinel Staff Writer
Friday, May 23, 2008 6:24 AM PDT

Comments (1 comment(s))

WOOSH! CRACK! THUD! Now that the wind has ripped a massive branch off that beautiful old oak in your front yard and dropped it carelessly on your house — or car — there's more than clean-up to consider.

Insurance is a must in case of damage from wind, fire damage and a multitude of life's other curveballs. But just having it, according to experts, isn't enough. Prevention and safety are also key.

When damage does occur, don't just call your insurance agent.

"If there are downed power lines or anything like that, then people will need to get in touch with utility companies," said David B. DeJong of DeJong Insurance in Lodi. He also stated that other proper agencies will need to be contacted if there are dangers such as fire.

After the damage is discovered, home and car owners will want to contact their insurance company, which will then send an adjuster to assess the amount of damage and process your claim.

Prevention and preparedness is also encouraged by companies such as California State Automobile Association. Simple steps can help get a claim filed quicker:

  • Create a document location list: List where you store your important documents, indicating what's in your home filing cabinets, storage boxes, lock box and a safe-deposit box at a bank. When you need your documents, refer to the list to remind yourself exactly where each one is.

  • Make a personal inventory list: Make a list of your banking, loan, credit card, insurance and real estate information. For each account, include the issuer's name, account type and number, name of the account holder, customer service numbers, expiration and due dates, online usernames and passwords and other related information. But also be sure to place this critical information where it cannot be found by anyone else.

  • List your belongings: Inventory your jewelry, artwork, electronics and other household valuables and an estimated worth of each. If possible, attach photos of each item to the list.

  • Compile and file: Make four copies of each set of lists you've made. Store one set in a clearly marked file at home. Store one set in a watertight, fireproof file box. Put one in a safe-deposit box at a bank. Have an attorney or trusted friend or relative who doesn't live with you store the last one.

    Finally, experts recommend keeping all your insurance information in one easily accessed place in case you need it at a moment's notice.

    Reader Feedback

    boonablis wrote on May 23, 2008 7:14 AM:

    " This article is so helpful.
    Regards, No one "

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